Brendan BYRNE, S. J. Come to the Light: Reflections on the Gospel of John. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2021, pp. 118. $19.95 pb. ISBN 978-0-8146-6623-4. Reviewed by Dolores L. CHRISTIE, Cleveland, OH

The short volume distills the sometimes-meandering text of John into eighteen short reflections on selected narratives, concentrating largely on the “signs” stories. It is a truly fresh interpretation. The author demonstrates an exquisite understanding of the text. Although his commentary is rooted rigorously in the best of Johannine scholarship (he offers an occasional original Greek translation, essential to the understanding of the gospel’s meaning) it does not distract the reader.

The book includes pointed questions—both within the text and more formally after each chapter—to challenge the reader to reflect in prayer on how the gospel speaks uniquely to them. It is clear that the author’s experience with the Ignatian Exercises is at play here. He invites the reader to “enter the scene” as one does in the exercises. Likewise, the notions of growth and spiritual freedom pop up from time to time. (see p. 82) Ignatius would be proud!

Byrne knows the gospel so well that he makes connections I’ve not seen before, even with an extensive reading of Johannine commentary. He relates, for example, the green grass of Chapter 6’s loaves and fishes account with the green pastures ready for the feast for the sheep in Chapter 10. He notes, as do most commentators, the lack of a specific “institution narrative” and even dismisses what some call its substitute in Chapter 6. Rather, he points out that to concentrate on that sacramental aspect, although true, would cause one to “miss quite a few of the riches of the chapter.” He comments that, throughout the text Jesus meets the person exactly where they are and not where they should be (spiritual directors, take note).

Perhaps my favorite piece of the book is his treatment of truth, which in Hebrew is less rigidly defined and circumscribed than it is in Greek or in English. As one grows in faith, the notion of what truth means for the praying person expands. Like some of the characters in the gospel itself, God is not done with accompanying a person on that person’s life-long journey. Nathaniel grows, the Samaritan woman grows, and man born blind “sees” but continues to see more. The idea is that all serious persons of faith will discover the vast truth of God’s love in their lives in expanding ways. The “truth” has to do with being and doing; it is not simply an intellectual entity. People continue to grow as human beings throughout their lives. They become more “true;” they are becoming more loving.

This book could be used profitably in prayer. The chapters are brief and the questions are penetrating and focused. It would be a useful addition to a parish course on the gospel: rigorous enough but not ponderous. I recommend this short volume for any serious Christian.